Measles Outbreak (July 2010)

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There is an outbreak of measles in the Gypsy Traveller community. Children and adults who are catching measles are those who haven’t had both MMR jabs or haven’t had measles before.

What is measles?

Measles is an infection that can make people very ill. Babies under one year old, teenagers and older people can get particularly sick. Over recent years, a number of Gypsy and Traveller children have had to be admitted to hospital with the illness. Measles can kill people.

How can I catch measles?

Measles spreads when someone with the bug coughs or sneezes. It is very infectious.

What are the signs of measles?

It takes about a week to 10 days to become unwell after you have contact with someone with measles.

At the beginning, people feel like they have a bad cold, they get a fever and can have a dry cough. A few days later, people get a rash which starts from their head and spreads all over their body.

If you think you or someone in your family may have measles then telephone your doctor. If you need to go straight to a doctor or hospital then tell the receptionist when you arrive you think it is measles so they can give you a room to wait in.

Should I stay away from others if I have measles?

Yes, you are infectious with measles from the day before you get cold symptoms up until 5 days after the rash comes.

How can I protect myself and my family?

The MMR vaccine is an excellent and safe way to protect you, your family and friends from measles. Two MMR vaccines will protect you and will stop you getting mumps and rubella. The vaccine is free and can be given to children (over 6 months of age) and adults. You can have the two jabs at different surgeries if you are travelling. They can be given just a month apart.

Women who want to have a baby should make sure they have had 2 MMR vaccines. Having measles when you are pregnant can harm the mother and the baby.

How do I get a MMR vaccine?

If you haven’t had two MMR jabs and aren’t registered with a GP (or you are travelling at the moment) click here to find your nearest doctor’s surgery who will give you and your family the jabs: http://www.nhs.uk/servicedirectories/pages/servicesearch.aspx .

Phone to tell them you are a Traveller and need to be seen as a temporary patient. You will get an appointment to have the free MMR vaccinations. Sometimes it might be possible for a nurse to come out and give the jabs on site if you are travelling with a large group or you think someone on site has measles.

You can find out more about measles at: www.nhs.uk/conditions/measles/Pages/Introduction.aspx, or you can call NHS Direct for information on Tel: 0845 4647.